Lancaster Township Police Department returns for first time in decades

Lancaster Township has named its new police chief ahead of the department’s return to the township in 2025. For the first time in decades, Lancaster Township will have its own police force. Monday night marked the first of many steps in the process. “The new police department will be in good hands and our staff and the police department will work hand in hand to ensure we have the police necessary to take care of our community,” said Lancaster Township Chief Iber Guerrero Lopez. After 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police, Bradley Getz is ready for a new challenge. “I’m a hard worker. I believe in listening to the community. I’m experienced, I’ve worked in many different roles in the state police, as station chief, chief of the criminal division, chief of the patrol division, and I’m committed to putting in the time and effort to make this a successful police department,” Getz said. A new title for Getz, who is officially the chief of the Lancaster Township Police Department. “I’m excited. I don’t know many townships that started from scratch. There has been a lot of regionalization of police departments, but there haven’t been many police departments that started from scratch,” Getz said. And the start of a new journey for the township. Earlier this year, Manheim Township decided not to renew its contract with Lancaster Township. With no other options and a need to protect residents, the police department was created. “10 police officers total, so we’re hoping we can get to that number, but that’s another path we’re excited about,” Lopez said. A smaller department, but eventually one that will be located in the heart of its own township. “Here in Lancaster Township, we already have a property next door that’s being retrofitted for our new police department,” Lopez said. New police chief Bradley Getz says he likes challenges and is ready to tackle them.